Google has initiated a broad rollout of its Call Recording capability, making it available to a much wider range of Pixel smartphones—specifically those beginning with the Pixel 6 series and all subsequent models that do not possess the more sophisticated Gemini Nano-powered Call Notes functionality introduced with the Pixel 9 and Pixel 10 lineup. This expansion, first noticed by the publication 9to5Google, marks a strategic effort by the company to provide users of earlier Pixel devices with enhanced accessibility to phone-based recording tools that were previously limited to newer handsets equipped with advanced AI features.
The tech giant originally revealed its intention to broaden the availability of the Call Recording feature back in September. According to reports by Android Authority, users can activate it once they have updated the Phone by Google application to the most recent version and verified that their devices have received the November Pixel Feature Drop. Android Authority also confirmed successful operation of the feature on both the Pixel 10 Pro and the Pixel 10 Pro Fold following these updates, demonstrating the consistency of the rollout across multiple device variants within Google’s own ecosystem.
While the newer Gemini Nano-powered Call Notes tool relies on artificial intelligence to transcribe conversations in real time and produce concise, well-structured summaries that emphasize crucial details and suggested follow-up actions, the Call Recording feature serves a more straightforward purpose. It allows users to record the audio of their conversations, saving them as local sound files directly on the device’s internal storage. These recordings can then be manually transcribed using third-party software or dedicated transcription services—a useful but less automated alternative for those not equipped with the AI-driven system found on the Pixel 9 and 10 models.
Activating Call Recording is done through the Phone app by navigating to Settings, then selecting Call Assist, and finally entering the Call Recording section. Once enabled, users have the flexibility to initiate recordings manually at the start of any conversation or to automatically capture calls from specific contacts, predefined numbers, or even unknown callers not saved in their address book. Further customization options allow users to control storage duration, with automatic deletion settings available at intervals of 7, 14, or 30 days. For individuals who prefer to maintain a permanent archive, the system also offers the option to retain all recordings indefinitely.
Before the first use, the app requires the download of mandatory audio prompts designed to inform all participants that the conversation is being recorded—a measure implemented to ensure transparency and compliance with regional privacy and consent requirements. During the initial setup, Google provides a detailed explanation of how these recorded files are managed, protected, and stored, offering clarity about the company’s handling of user data and adherence to security standards.
It is important to note that Pixel devices starting with the Pixel 6 series must be running Android 14 or a newer version to utilize the Call Recording feature. However, for non-Pixel smartphones equipped with the Google Phone application, the requirement is less stringent—only Android 9 or above is necessary. This distinction highlights Google’s broader intention to make essential communication tools accessible not only to its flagship device owners but also to users across the wider Android community, ensuring functionality remains inclusive and adaptable within the evolving software ecosystem.
Sourse: https://www.theverge.com/news/820938/google-call-recording-pixel-phone-app-availability
